FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 22, 2024

LACPDO Receives County Quality and Productivity Commission’s Gold Eagle Award

The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office (LACPDO) is proud to announce that its groundbreaking Neurocognitive Disorders Team (NDT) was honored with the prestigious Gold Eagle Award at the 37th Annual County Quality and Productivity Awards.

This year’s awards theme, Commitment to Serving People and Solving Problems, reflects LACPDO’s ongoing mission to significantly reduce incarceration and mitigate the collateral consequences of involvement with the criminal legal system in LA County by expanding access to holistic defense, community-based alternatives, and rehabilitative resources.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition at the 37th Annual County Productivity and Quality Awards. This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who are committed to innovative solutions that not only serve our clients but also strengthen the fabric of our community,” said the Public Defender Ricardo D. García. “We look forward to further collaborations with other County departments and community service providers as our Neurocognitive Disorders Team’s advocacy expands.”

The NDT is devoted to defending clients with cognitive impairments such as dementia, traumatic brain injuries, and developmental disabilities. This innovative team, consisting of trained attorneys, social workers, and mental health professionals, provides holistic legal representation and access to medical care, housing, and social services for their vulnerable clients. Recognizing that incarceration does not address the underlying issues that brings these unique clients into the criminal legal system, the NDT ensures clients receive thorough evaluations and advocate for diversion programs, mental health treatment, and probation, tailoring to the specific needs of each client.

This team is one representation of LACPDO’s broader commitment to equity, compassion, and the belief that all individuals, especially the most vulnerable, deserve thoughtful and informed representation in the criminal legal system.

Learn more about the County Quality and Productivity Commission and other award-winning County programs here.